Why Expensive Commuter bikes?
08-23-19, 06:39 AM
#51
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no matter how beat up your LBS bike is it will still ride better than that department store bike.
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08-23-19, 07:00 AM
#53
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Would you consider my $25 and $45 commuters to be cruddy bikes? They’re old, sure, and not fashionable but as comfortable, reliable, and safe as any other commuter. The touring bike is just as fast as any other commuter I’ve seen. They both have powerful brakes and good handling. They fit as well as any bike could, and can handle as much abuse as anything while carrying as much weight/cargo as anything. I know I got a relatively good deal on both of them, but not a steal. Lots of people get plenty of better deals. And neither one of them would ever cost half of even $750 in any used market. A new bike is not a prerequisite for bike commuting. If theft is of any concern, buying a new bike for commuting is sort of a waste of money. One might even argue that the basic maintenance and upkeep costs on a bike actually used for commuting, it would be foolish to spend money on any new bike used for that purpose. If one were to be me,
that is.
Edit: I think your bike is nice, why don’t you think mine is/are nice, too. I guess that’s the idea. I’ve never claimed to be mature.
that is.
Edit: I think your bike is nice, why don’t you think mine is/are nice, too. I guess that’s the idea. I’ve never claimed to be mature.
for example I paid $75 for a similar frame (bike) but only wanted the frame. I dropped $600 on it and it is better than most $800 hybrids. However It is nothing when compared to my above entry road bikes.
so the Trek 700 might not be a cruddy bike, but it isn't no super awesome bike either. as far as abuse? who willingly abuses their stuff? not me!
If theft is a concern.... I probably won't be riding /commuting. but that has nothing to do with my bike getting stolen. It has to do with I wouldn't live in a **** hole. I mean looking at San Frans new approach/thoughts/attitudes to rising crime rates, I definitely wont be going to any city anytime soon (especially that city).
So on the flip side if commuters are attractive to the earth, less pollution, etc.... then fighting crime would be a higher priority for some cities, yes? Nope not on this planet..... they don't think that way.
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08-23-19, 07:30 AM
#54
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OK, so these threads always have the same arc, newbie posts something about not understanding how people spend more or less than their price point, we all jump in to say it doesn't matter what other people think, but here's how I look at it. Then someone takes issue with how someone else looks at it, and then it boils down to a 4 person slob vs. snob debate for about 150 posts.
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08-23-19, 07:41 AM
#55
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Would you consider my $25 and $45 commuters to be cruddy bikes? They’re old, sure, and not fashionable but as comfortable, reliable, and safe as any other commuter. The touring bike is just as fast as any other commuter I’ve seen. They both have powerful brakes and good handling. They fit as well as any bike could, and can handle as much abuse as anything while carrying as much weight/cargo as anything. I know I got a relatively good deal on both of them, but not a steal. Lots of people get plenty of better deals. And neither one of them would ever cost half of even $750 in any used market. A new bike is not a prerequisite for bike commuting. If theft is of any concern, buying a new bike for commuting is sort of a waste of money. One might even argue that the basic maintenance and upkeep costs on a bike actually used for commuting, it would be foolish to spend money on any new bike used for that purpose. If one were to be me,
that is.
Edit: I think your bike is nice, why don’t you think mine is/are nice, too. I guess that’s the idea. I’ve never claimed to be mature.
that is.
Edit: I think your bike is nice, why don’t you think mine is/are nice, too. I guess that’s the idea. I’ve never claimed to be mature.
I never said anything about your bikes or what I think of them.
If you think your bike is cruddy then it is cruddy. If you think it is nice then it is nice. That you enjoy it is all that matters and all I need to know.
I'm being sincere. What each of us consider cruddy is up to us, not anyone else.
Be safe.
-Tim-
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08-23-19, 07:47 AM
#56
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I've been enjoying commuting on my $90 CL find, a mid 70s Sekine SHS 271. It has a tange frameset (likely no. 3 tubing) and lots of early Shimano stuff (titlist, tourney, 333 hubs, etc.). I like the way it rides and looks. When the weather gets crummy, I like my 1987 Stumpjumper Comp converted to drops. I paid $125 for the bike and more obviously to do the drop bar conversion. When the snow hits, I turn to my 1992 Bridgestone BB 1; I paid $15 for the frame, HS, bar, and a few other pieces.
Last edited by bikemig; 08-23-19 at 08:03 AM.
08-23-19, 07:53 AM
#57
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08-23-19, 07:55 AM
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I suppose it’s possible, but not likely.
Last edited by caloso; 08-23-19 at 08:01 AM.
08-23-19, 08:01 AM
#59
C*pt*i* Obvious
Ride whatever seems suitable.
I left my beater unlocked for almost a week by mistake, nobody touched it.
Rental bikes dominate here, no market for petty theft any more.
I can only imagine how low my social credit score must be.
I left my beater unlocked for almost a week by mistake, nobody touched it.
Rental bikes dominate here, no market for petty theft any more.
I can only imagine how low my social credit score must be.
08-23-19, 08:08 AM
#60
Virgo
OK, so these threads always have the same arc, newbie posts something about not understanding how people spend more or less than their price point, we all jump in to say it doesn't matter what other people think, but here's how I look at it. Then someone takes issue with how someone else looks at it, and then it boils down to a 4 person slob vs. snob debate for about 150 posts.
Last edited by Phamilton; 08-23-19 at 08:12 AM.
08-23-19, 08:14 AM
#61
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After they walk past the security guard, go in through a key card door, up an elevator, walk through the garage, and into the bike room through a second keycard door, sure. And you’d have to carry it on to the elevator or down the stairs with the u-lock through the rear wheel and triangle.
I suppose it’s possible, but not likely.
I suppose it’s possible, but not likely.
and my point remains the same. your locks are pointless locked like that.
08-23-19, 08:24 AM
#62
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I've been wracking my brain trying to think of use cases for expensive commuter bikes ($1000+).
I live in NYC and have Cannondale Quick that I paid $750 for and that was a bit of a stretch for me. But I see these manufacturers selling $1500-$2000 bikes for commuting. To me, an ideal commuter bikes is discrete (drab colors, not flashy, etc.), capable - but without the expense of high-end/name brand components, and most of all - relatively cheap! Because there's a good chance it would get stolen.
Anyone have thoughts? Who's buying these things?
I live in NYC and have Cannondale Quick that I paid $750 for and that was a bit of a stretch for me. But I see these manufacturers selling $1500-$2000 bikes for commuting. To me, an ideal commuter bikes is discrete (drab colors, not flashy, etc.), capable - but without the expense of high-end/name brand components, and most of all - relatively cheap! Because there's a good chance it would get stolen.
Anyone have thoughts? Who's buying these things?
08-23-19, 08:45 AM
#63
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This is great! I'll leave you two to sort out whether you think you are Hemingway or if this is Lincoln/Douglas.
I'm out of this thread. This isn't a genre--it's the 14th sequel to the movie Airport.
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08-23-19, 09:09 AM
#64
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If a commuter bike is ones primary transportation for work and saves you from buying a 2'nd recent model car for $10,000+ that might costs another $300 - 400 a month to operate and insure, I Don't consider $1,000 - 2,000 US (with accessories) and just $10/month for maintenance to be excessive for a new bike. A bit more then I would spend though considering you don't have, at least from Giant if you want a safe, Reliable and comfortable new bike.
Like this FastRoad with Disc brakes, Rack and Fender mounts for $765 US.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fastroad-sl-3
Or this Escape city which includes a rear Rack and Fenders for $710 US.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/es...ty-disc-3-2020
Like this FastRoad with Disc brakes, Rack and Fender mounts for $765 US.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fastroad-sl-3
Or this Escape city which includes a rear Rack and Fenders for $710 US.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/es...ty-disc-3-2020
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 08-23-19 at 09:21 AM.
08-23-19, 09:28 AM
#65
Virgo
No need. Clearly I am Hemingway. And I respect a person who recognizes being outclassed.
08-23-19, 09:38 AM
#66
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Once you achieve the true zen of commuting, your bike disappears beneath you, making cost irrelevant.
08-23-19, 09:47 AM
#67
Virgo
And for some, true commuting zen is only achieved when one has the most expensive commuting bike anybody has heard of. For some, it's only achieved when one has the cheapest commuting bike anybody has heard of. I'm sure there are others, but I've never met one in real life and this thread isn't about them.
08-23-19, 10:12 AM
#68
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08-23-19, 10:42 AM
#69
Virgo
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08-23-19, 10:49 AM
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I buy old steel (usually Japanese) frames of the early '80s for commuters. They work very well, handle fenders, often ride quite decently, are not attractive to thieves and if it dies a sudden death, it doesn't break my heart. I'm probably out $100 for a new frame and $40 for specific parts.
Many of my jobs over my working days had secure parking but that was not the case shopping, doing errands, etc. on the way home. Being able to park that bike next to more attractive bikes was good theft insurance.
Ben
Many of my jobs over my working days had secure parking but that was not the case shopping, doing errands, etc. on the way home. Being able to park that bike next to more attractive bikes was good theft insurance.
Ben
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08-23-19, 10:50 AM
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08-23-19, 10:53 AM
#72
Virgo
08-23-19, 11:06 AM
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08-23-19, 11:15 AM
#74
Virgo
For $800 American, you can get a decent Buick with leather seats and dual zone climate control. In Indiana. Vintage steel bikes are indeed comfortable and great for commuting, but not VINTAGE BUICK great.
08-23-19, 11:30 AM
#75
Senior Member
Sorry/not sorry about the rant.
The touring bike is actually a really nice bike. There is nothing cruddy about it. I know the cruddy comment wasn’t directed at me or my bikes.
But I do think it’s foolish to spend much money on a bike you intend to destroy, especially by buying a new one you’re going to instantly lose the resale value of. I think it’s foolish to buy new cars, too.
But I don’t judge people who do foolish things. Everybody does foolish things. Wasting money just isn’t my own brand of foolish. I am way more understanding toward people who do foolish things who also happen to ride bicycles.
So whatever bike you commute on, and whatever you paid or didn’t pay for it - I like your bike. If for no other reason than you commute on it. If it has a bell on it, I REALLY like it.
Getting a good deal on a good quality used bike for commuting simply requires patience and commitment. A person lacking those qualities probably not a good fit for bike commuting.
End rant.
The touring bike is actually a really nice bike. There is nothing cruddy about it. I know the cruddy comment wasn’t directed at me or my bikes.
But I do think it’s foolish to spend much money on a bike you intend to destroy, especially by buying a new one you’re going to instantly lose the resale value of. I think it’s foolish to buy new cars, too.
But I don’t judge people who do foolish things. Everybody does foolish things. Wasting money just isn’t my own brand of foolish. I am way more understanding toward people who do foolish things who also happen to ride bicycles.
So whatever bike you commute on, and whatever you paid or didn’t pay for it - I like your bike. If for no other reason than you commute on it. If it has a bell on it, I REALLY like it.
Getting a good deal on a good quality used bike for commuting simply requires patience and commitment. A person lacking those qualities probably not a good fit for bike commuting.
End rant.
